According to the latest research sexually transmitted infections continue to flourish in the UK and have in fact risen for the 10th successive year.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) estimates there was a dramatic rise in the number of new diagnoses over the past decade with almost 10,000 more new cases of sexual infections diagnosed than in 2005, bringing the annual total to 376,508.
The agency's report on the nation's sexual health also shows the infection rates for three of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) rose again last year:- the number of new cases of chlamydia rose by 4% to 113,585; genital herpes cases rose by 9% to 21,698; while genital warts rose by 3% to 83,745. But the number of gonorrhea cases dropped by 1% from the previous year to 19,007.
Professor Pat Troop, chief executive of the HPA, says the increasing levels of viral STIs such as herpes and warts, particularly in young adults, is a concern.
It appears that between 2005 and 2006 new diagnoses of genital herpes increased by 9% and genital warts by 3%. The HPA says it is important to remember that Herpes infections are for a lifetime and although the symptoms are treatable people continue to suffer from recurrences.
The HPA blames the rise in infections on young heterosexual adults and gay men neglecting to practice safe sex.
Dr. Gwenda Hughes, head of the agency's sexual health department, says these two groups are of most concern and it is crucial safe sex messages are understood by both of them.
Dr. Hughes says there has been a continued and substantial increase in infections amongst gay men despite messages about condom wearing, and the importance of getting tested if they feel they've put themselves at risk of contracting an STI.
The report says teenagers made up 40% of females infected with gonorrhea, while gay and bisexual men accounted for a third of new cases in men, as well as nearly 60% of male syphilis diagnoses.